After countless community tests and datamining (and verified through brute force in my own playthroughs), the Word for the primary Old Forest chest is "Still" (as in stillness, quiet, or the absence of action).
Why "Still"?
Another chest you might find (often via random exploration events) involves a riddle about punishment or humiliation. corruption of champions 2 word chest work
Why? This refers to the old punishment of "tarring and feathering." If the chest asks what happens to a traitor or someone who falls into the black muck, the answer is usually "tarred."
Before you can begin the corruption of champions 2 word chest work, you must find the chest itself. The most infamous Word Chest is located in The Ruins of Kas (a sub-dungeon in the Old Forest). After countless community tests and datamining (and verified
To get there:
Do not try to force the lid open. Physical attempts (Strength checks) will trigger a trap that curses your character with Frailty for 24 in-game hours. You need the "Word." Before you can begin the corruption of champions
As an adult game, the encounter has specific themes regarding loss.
"I typed the word but it won't open!"
"I can't find the chest."
Players often fail because they overcomplicate or underprepare. Here are the top three errors: